For days, the White House had been making the case that Syria should be punished for its alleged use of chemical weapons, but the president has made a decision to seek approval from Congress before launching a strike against Syria.

Experts on affairs and politics in the Middle East suggest America avoid getting directly involved in the conflict in Syria, saying it could have negative consequences for America and its allies.

As the debate over using military force against Syria heads to Congress, it's a debate that's already begun among American citizens.

"I think the president messed by not doing what he said he was going to do after the first red line was crossed," said Jay Pinkowski, of Belle Chasse. "Now he's making us all look weak by waiting to talk to Congress and everybody else before he's going to do it."

"I think President Obama is doing the correct thing and going to Congress and asking for permission. I think when you look at the past presidents and what they've done in conflicts, they've also gone to Congress, and I think he's very wise in doing that," said resident David Hall.

Behrooz Moazmi, director of Middle East Peace Studies at Loyola University, said the president's decision will open the much-needed discussion in America and internationally on what should be done, but he believes American intervention could escalate the tension in Syria.

"It's going to dramatically change the whole political map of the Middle East, so I think it should be avoided by any possible ways," said Moazmi.

Moazami said the Syrian crisis has mostly been an internal war, but he expects if American military steps in, it could become a larger regional war.

"The next step is to take this to the United Nation. Even if the Congress approves that we can attack, I do not think that's the right thing to do, so without any sort of consensus agreement by the international community," said Moazami.

Moazami believes it could be a more important decision than the 2003 decision to enter into war in Iraq.

Rep. Steve Scalise released a statement, saying, "It is important that the president agreed to consult with Congress prior to taking military action in Syria. Any action taken by the United States must be carefully considered in terms of what is in the best interest of our nation and our close allies in the region, especially Israel. The authorization to use limited military force should depend on clear military objectives and policy goals, and I look forward to the debate after these details have been laid out by the administration."

Rep. Cedric Richmond also released a statement saying he supports the president's decision to engage Congress.

"When the Assad regime decided to reign chemical warfare on more than 1,400 people, including 400 children, it became a matter of national security," said Richmond.